Netflix Crime Scene The Times Square Killer – Starring Scott Watson as Richard Cottingham

I’m playing serial killed Richard Cottingham in Netflix’s Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer, the newest season of Joe Berlinger’s true crime docuseries!

This chilling series explores the brutal legacy of Cottingham — also known as the “Torso Killer” — and the gritty, lawless backdrop of 1970s Times Square that enabled his crimes.

The show is directed by oscar nominee Joe Berlinger, and delves into not only the twisted mind of Richard Cottingham but the seedy, depraved Times Square of the 1970’s and how it was the perfect prowling ground for killers like richard Cottingham.

In Joe Berlinger’s expert hands, this season of the Crime Scene docuseries blends stylized visuals with meticulous storytelling and I was honored to help bring his vision to life with my portrayal of real life boogeyman richard cottingham.

huge props as well to our incredible crew, especially our DP Jeff Hutchens for capturing such striking imagery and transporting us all back into the greasy wild west of 1970’s nYC.

CRIME SCENE: THE TIMES SQUARE KILLER TEASER TRAILER

Photos from Netflix’s Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer

Who Was the Times Square Killer? Inside the Mind of Richard Cottingham

Richard Cottingham the times square killer, also known as the “Torso Killer,” was one of the most disturbing and methodical serial killers in American history.

Cottingham targeted vulnerable women in the seedy underbelly of Times Square, committing crimes that shocked even seasoned investigators in an era before forensics where it was far harder to catch killers.

In Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer, Scott Watson portrays Cottingham during the height of his brutal spree in 1970s New York. Cottingham targeted vulnerable women in the seedy underbelly of Times Square, and his Monstrous work culminated in one of the most grisley and Infamous crime scenes in nYC history.

crime scene: the times square killer delves deeply into richard cottingham’s double life and the era and attitudes of 1970’s nYC that allowed such a monster to evade capture for years.

Netflix’s Crime Scene Anthology Series

Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer is part of Netflix’s Crime Scene anthology, created by Academy Award nominee Joe Berlinger.

The series examines notorious crime locations and how specific environments enabled acts of violence.

Other seasons in the anthology include Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel and Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.

Each installment provides both social commentary and chilling detail, making this one of Netflix’s most haunting true crime franchises.

crime scene: the times square killer, season 2, was the most watched tV program on Netflix upon it’s debut.

Final Thoughts on Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer

Who plays Richard Cottingham in Netflix’s Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer?

Actor Scott Watson portrays serial killer Richard Cottingham in Netflix’s Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer, delivering a chilling performance in this true crime docuseries.

What is Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer about?

The series explores how the gritty, lawless environment of 1970s Times Square enabled Richard Cottingham—aka the “Torso Killer”—to commit a string of brutal murders. It combines dramatized scenes and real-life footage to reconstruct the case.

Is Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer part of a larger Netflix series?

Yes. It’s part of Netflix’s Crime Scene anthology, created by Joe Berlinger, which examines how specific places contribute to violent crime. Other entries include The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel and The Texas Killing Fields.

Where can I watch Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer?

You can stream all three episodes of Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer exclusively on Netflix.

Is the Times Square Killer based on a true story?

Yes. Richard Cottingham was a real-life serial killer who terrorized New York and New Jersey in the 1970s and 1980s. The series dramatizes key moments from the investigation and his eventual capture.